Fangio's Merc racer to make millions at auction

Other notable features on the W196 include the raised offset engine air intake – it was moved to this position from its previous lower location after it became clogged with leaves, costing the team victory at the 1954 Spanish Grand Prix. It’s not the only modification Mercedes made to the car either – the 1954 racers originally featured closed-wheel bodywork, making them more difficult to place on twisty circuits. Fangio requested an open-wheeled version, which he subsequently won in at the very next race.